<jamalsbro@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1b785a43-d371-4dbc-a73f-dc38b138f4b8@h2g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
> Greetings to all,
>
> I am a first time poster here. My wife has a 96 Grand Am, we have
> had relatively few problems with it and it has been a great car for
> us. Today was another story. While I was driving I stopped to make a
> u turn, when I did the car stalled suddenly. I restarted it with no
> problem, however the power steering was gone and there was a red
> battery indicator on the dashboard that was on. Realizing there was a
> problem I began driving to a spot where I could safely stop the car.
> While I was driving, which was no more than half a mile and a few
> minutes I noticed the temp gauge climbing dangerously high. I stopped,
> turned the car off and got out to find there was coolant leaking from
> where appeared to be the overflow. I also noticed that the belt that
> passes through the alternator was seriously loose, as in I could
> remove it was little effort if I needed to.
>
> That is where we stand.
>
> I know that it not alot of info, but any ideas?
>
> Thank you to any and all who can reply.
>
> Jamie
If it happens suddenly and the belt is still in tact, one of two things can
happen:
1 - Idler pulley spring breaks. Solution: Have idler and tensioner pulley
replaced.
2 - Belt spun off a pulley, and is caused by either a damaged pulley or a
stretched belt. Solution: Replace serpentine belt and inspect pulleys.

Regardless of which above problem it is, take it to a shop. Changing the
belt for this vehicle is not for the faint at heart.